The summer is over and that means two things  school starts, and The Gazette is back on the stands. For those of you who spent the last four months in serious Gazette withdrawal, here is a recap of some of the stories that happened while you were away.

Big Appointment for Dr. D

On Jul. 5, Paul Davenport, Western's president and vice-chancellor, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honours.

The Order of Canada was awarded to Davenport for his contributions as an economist, teacher, researcher and senior administrator at McGill University, the University of Alberta and Western.

Davenport said his first thoughts were of gratitude toward all of the people who have helped him in his life.

"I am thrilled and humbled by this honour," he said.

The Order of Canada is our country's highest honour for lifetime achievement and is awarded in three categories; Companion, Officer and Member.

Little Stadium even smaller

After 73 years of being Western's beloved football stadium, J.W. Little Stadium was laid to rest this past summer.

Replaced by the modern and multi-purpose TD Waterhouse Stadium, the legacy of J.W. Little stadium is all that remains.

"[J.W. Little stadium] was recognized as one of Canada's great sporting venues and often times one of the most permanent, vivid memories of our university," said Larry Haylor, head coach of the Mustangs football team.

Faculty Association versus Administration

In May, the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association filed an official complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board against Western's administration, citing unfair labour practices.

The complaint related to the administration's demand that UWOFA submit a complete package of non-monetary proposals prior to the start of contract negotiations.

According to UWOFA president Paul Handford, the request by administration was both unreasonable and unheard of, suggesting administration was attempting to delay negotiations.

"The administration's team [has] been ready to start negotiations since [five months earlier]," said Peter Mercer, Western's VP-administration.

The dispute has since been resolved.

Border-crossers crossed

A decision by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service kept many Canadian students from completing their education.

"We are concerned that this ruling is disrupting the lives of our students tremendously," said John D. Bray, director of public relations at D'Youville College in Buffalo, New York.

Since the ruling in late May, the US INS has reversed its policy, allowing border-crossing Canadian students to breathe a collective sigh of relief.